Sheriffs group to fight NM immigrant license law

Posted at: 10/12/2012 1:59 PM
By: RUSSELL CONTRERAS Associated Press

Photo: Gov. Susana Martinez

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A newly formed sheriffs' group is planning on lobbying state lawmakers to repeal New Mexico's law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

Jack LeVick, executive director of the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association, said Friday that sheriffs are developing a strategy to convince key lawmakers to support the law's repeal over concerns of fraud.

LeVick says the law allows illegal immigrants to use fake addresses.

Gov. Susana Martinez said this week that New Mexico isn't in compliance with a nationwide law imposing security standards for driver's licenses because of the state law.

Marcela Diaz of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a Santa Fe-based immigrant advocacy organization, says the group is willing to work to end fraud but that the law helps fight DWIs and it keeps track of all state motorists.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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